X-ray apparatus



Nov.l 15, 1938.

E, s. HUMPHREYS X-RAY APPARATUS Filed March 14, 1ga55 Patented Nov. 15, 1938 X-RAY APPARATUS Edwin S. Humphreys, Aurora, Ill., assignor to Patents, Incorporated, Aurora, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application March 14, 1935, serial No. 10,973

9 Claims.

This invention relates to X-ray apparatus and more particularly to apparatus of this character in which the X-ray tube and tube energizing instrumentalities are all assembled in a shock-proof unit.

In the operation of X-ray` apparatus in either luoroscopic or radiographic work, inherent tube characteristics require substantial spacing of the X-ray tube from the patient' or object under examination. With X-ray units as heretofore constructed, the proper spacing of the tube from the patient necessitates the provision of a relatively large operating space, that is, a substantial overall clearance between the patient and the unit, for the proper manipulation of the same. Reduction of the space required forl this purpose is highly desirable both from the standpoint of increased eciency in the operation of the unit itself and in the construction and operation of the auxiliary equipment. Accordingly, it is the primary object of the invention to provide an improved X-ray unit which requires a minimum amount of operating space. Io this end the unit is enclosed in a casing structure so constructed and arranged that the tube energizing instrumentalities are interposed in the space between the patient and the tube, thus materially reducing the overall clearance of the unit with respect to the patient.

Another object of thek invention is to provide an X-ray unit of more compact construction than has heretofore been practicable and to this end, the cone ordinarily employed for confining the X-rays to a desired area is incorporated in the casing structure which encloses the electrical elements of the unit.

Another object of the invention is to provide a unitary casing structure for an X-ray unit in which the X-ray tube and the tube-energizing transformer may be separately disposed in the insulating or cooling iiuid media best suited to their individual requirements.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for connecting an X-ray tube with th-e energizing apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide in an X-ray unit an improved arrangement for mounting the shutter or diaphragm mechanism by which the emanation of X-rays is controlled. v-

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved arrangement for connecting an X-ray unit with a source of electrical energy.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed (Cl. Z50-87) description of a preferred embodiment thereof taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which; Y v l Figure 1 is a phantom perspective view of an X-ray unit embodying the features of the'invention and showing the general form and relationship of the various parts comprising the unit.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through the unit taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional viewtaken on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2 and showing details of one of the separable plug members provided for connecting the tube with the tube energizing instrumentalities.

Fig. 4' is a schematic representation of the cirl cuit of the unit comprising the invention.

While the invention is susceptible ofv various modifications and alternative constructions, I have shown in the drawing and will herein describe in detail a preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention tothe specific form disclosed, but Vintend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions'falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims. Y

In the embodiment of the invention herein illustrated, I employ a unitary casing structure providing separate compartmentsV for enclosing the various electrical elements of the apparatus.

Accordingly, the casing structure is composed of a top section 5 dening an upper compartment for an X-ray tube 6 and a low tension lament energizing transformer 'l and a bottom or base section 8 dening a lower compartment for Va j high tension tube-energizing transformer 9. As herein shown, the compartments do not communicate with each other but are separated by a common partitioning wall Ill, preferably of Bakelite, while the sections themselves may be constructed of any suitable material. The upper section 5 is preferably lined with material such as lead which is impermeable to lX-rays and the two sections may desirably be removably secured together with the partitioning memberV l! interposed-between them in a manner such as to provide a liquid tight seal between the upper and lower compartments.

To reduce the operating space required bythe unit, LI utilizeY the space occupied by the base section and enclosing the high-tension transformer for the passage of X-rays. Thus,the base section 8 is Vpreferably constructed .with a tubular passage Il for the passage ofX-rays, andthe walls of vsaid passage dei-lne, with the outer walls of the section, a continuous channel providing space for the mounting of the hightension transformer which is appropriately 'shaped for this purpose.

The X-ray tube 6 is conveniently suspended from a top cover plate I2 which is removably secured to and covers an aperture in the top wall of section 5. For this purpose the cover plate is formed on its under side with lugs I3 to which are attached depending arms I4 between which the tube is supported. The tube is thus positioned so that the rays emanating therefrom are directed toward the partitioning member and through the passage II in the lower compartment of the unit.

The passage II which provides an unimpeded channel through the lower compartment for the X-rays emanating from the tube 6 is formedl in the present instance with a substantially rectangular cross-section and with Walls I5 diverging downwardly and outwardly to define a cone for confining the X-rays to a desired area. As herein shown, the passage is disposed substantially centrally of the base section 8. The transformer 9, which is of generally rectangular form, is disposed within the channel defined by the outer walls of the section and walls I5 of the passage, the plane in which the transformer lies being substantially perpendicular to the axis of the passage.

To prevent the shifting of the high tension transformer 9 when the unit is tilted for use in different positions and to facilitate its removal from the transformer compartment, means may be provided for supporting it on the partitioning member I; In the present instance the supporting means comprises the bolts 9 which project through holes in the partitioning plate I0 and in the magnetic elements of the transformer. Proper positioning of the transformer is secured by means of sleeves I2 on the bolts 9 which are interposed between the transformer elements and the plate I 0. The transformer thus positioned around the cone assists in screening out unwanted X-rays so that radiation is substantially conned to the area dened by the cone, and moreover, in the operation of the unit, it occupies space that would otherwise be unused, thereby materially reducing the operating space required by the unit.

Passage of X-rays through the cone is controlled by a shutter or diaphragm I6 which may be of conventional construction and which, in the illustrative embodiment, is disposed in the tube compartment between the tube and the inner end of Vthe passage III. The diaphragm thus becomes an integral part of the unit, and by reason of its concealed location within the casing structure, may be provided with a less expensive finish than is desirable for diaphragms mounted in the usual manner outside of the casing. Diaphragm I6 is preferably enclosed in a housing I'I supported on the partitioning member Ill and closed by a cover plate I8 of material permeable or transparent to X-rays. Control of the diaphragm from outside the unit is effected by means of flexible control members I9 which are led into the diaphragm chamber through a conduit 20 having its opposite ends sealed into ports in the housing II and in the wall of the casing section 5. The diaphragm compartment may communicate with the passage II through an aperture or window 2| formed in the partitioning member I0, which window can be dispensed with if desired when the partitioning member is constructed of X-ray permeable or transparent material.

An effective seal is provided between the various compartments of the unit and the assembly of the parts thereof is facilitated by providing complemental flanges for securing the parts together. To this end, the section is provided with an outwardly projecting flange 22 complemental with an inwardly projecting flange 23 of the section 8, the said iianges being disposed on opposite sides of the partitioning member I0 when the casing is assembled. Passage walls I5 are provided with flanges 24 projecting toward and disposed in the same plane as the iianges 23, the flanges 24 being complemental with inwardly projecting flanges 25 formed on the diaphragm housing II. These various complemental flanges may be rigidly secured together by screws 25 threading into tapped holes in one of the flanges.

To facilitate the replacement of a tube, a readily detachable connection between the tube and the tube energizing instrumentalities is provided. 'Ihis connection may desirably be in the form of separable plug members 21 and 2l', one of which is shown in detail in Fig. 3 of the drawing. Plug 21 which, in the present instance provides an operative connection between the cathode of the tube 6 and one terminal of the high tension transformerpreferably comprises a base member 28 of porcelain or other suitable insulating material having a lower portion of reduced diameter adapted to project through an aperture in the partitioning plate I0. The reduced portion of the member is threaded to receive a nut 29 which holds the member rigid with respect to the plate and eifectively seals the aperture. The upper end of the member 28 is provided with two prongs 30 and 3l adapted to be received in complemental sockets carried by an upper plug member 32.

Prong 30 preferably extends longitudinally through the member 28 projecting into the transformer compartment to provide a terminal for the connection of conductor 33 leading from one terminal of the secondary winding of high tension transformer 9. The prong 30 also has a branch conductor projecting into the tube compartment which' provides a terminal for the connection of conductor 34 leading from one terminal of the. secondary winding of low tension transformer 'I. Prong 3I has a branch conductor projecting into the tube compartment and providing a terminal for the connection of conductor 35 leading from the other terminal of the secondary winding of transformer 'I.

The upper plug member 32 may be secured to the tube supporting member I4 and the sockets for engaging the prongs 30 and 3| are electrically connected to contacts engaging the respective cathode terminals of the tube 6. Low tension transformer 'I is thus connected across the filament of the tube for supplying energizing current thereto and one terminal of the high tension transformer is likewise connected thereto.

The plug 21 which provides a connection between the anode of the tube and the other terminal of the high tension transformer may be of substantially the same construction as the plug 2l. In this case, however, the prong corresponding to prong 3| of base member 28 is not required and can be omitted if desired or, if provided, is simply left unconnected. Prong 30', corresponding to prong 30, extends longitudinally through the member 28' and projects intoV the transformer compartment to provide a terminal upper plug members 32 and 32 are raised until Y the prongs 30', 3l, and 30 are disengaged from their respective-sockets. The entire-`v cover plateassembly including the 'supporting members I4, plug members 32 and tube 6,- may thenl be withdrawn from the Moreoveli the tube may be readily detached fromt-the Supporting member I4 by loosening the screw which secures either member to its associatedcover plate lug and thereafter swinging thefmember out of engagement with the tube. Replacement 4of burnt out tubes or the interchange olf tubes of different character can therefore be' effected'bya simple and easily pere vformed operation.y

lAs a means of conserving spaceV and simplifying construction, Vthe lament transformer 1 has beenplaced in the-tube compartment in the illustrative embodiment of the invention. The transformer may be conveniently supported between a Vpair of brackets 31V rbolted or otherwise' thereof are connected respectively withiconducV tors'BB" and 39 which, in turn, are terminated on'the binding posts 4I set into the side wall of the casing section 8. t a

*The connection between theprimary winding of the high tension tran'sformer'andlthe external electricalapparatus krequired for the operation dff the unit may be provided by one of the binding posts 4 Labovementioned and bindingpost 44 'set into the side wall'ofsectionf opposite the po's't 4|. A Yconductor `45jconne'cts one terminal ofthe transformerfwinding with the binding post 4| on which conductor38' is terminated; A conductor/al connects the other terminal of the transformer windingwiththe binding post 44. These" conductors are preferably of sufcient length to permit the transformer to be lifted bodilyfrom l itscompartment .when desired, with.- out disturbin'gthe connections. f

The various apertures in the membersfcompris ing lthe container of the,` unit provided'for the reception of the mounting'screws andbolts, binding posts, plug members, etrc.,las'we ll as the joints between Jthe c'zontainer` sections and the' partitioning kplate are closed'in a liquid tight seal whenthe unit'is assembled as above described. "I he compartments ofthe unit are nlled withsuitable Acoolant or insulating substances,` Vpreferably in `huid-form,r which surround the electrical elementsof'the unit. Volume changes in the fluid resulting from variations of the temperature thereof are compensated for by the sylphon de- With the construction` contemplated by the invention, thetransformer compartment may be filled with transformer oil such as is commonly used in connection with apparatus of this character. V`As .the transformer and tubeV compartments are effectively sealed from each other, the fluid in the tube compartment does not necessarily have to be the same as that in the `transformer compartment. Accordingly, the iiuid having characteristics most suitable for the operating conditions of the particular type of tube `being used can be employed. For example, when employing ya tube having terminals separated by a distance lessV than the air gap equivalent of the working voltage of the tube, a fluid having good insulating properties is provided. A On the other hand, when employing a tube capable of operating satisfactorily in air, the fluid will function mainly as a coolant and its insulating vided in the present instance by studs 48 secured f to opposite sides of the casing section 8 and journaled .in suitable bearings y formed in the ends of the supporting member arms. The member 41 is preferablyconstructed with an inwardly facing channel which extends. to and surrounds the bearings in the arms, above referred to, and

which 'communicates'with a projecting outlet or duct 49,.formed on the upper position of the member. Y A socket 50, also formed in the upper portion of the member 41 and centrally disposed with'respect thereto, is adapted to receive the supporting-arm or bracket of the supporting mast or equivalent which ordinarily comprises ay part of the equipment withwhich units of this character are used.

As `the unit will necessarily have to be swung into various positions for use under dilerent conditions, it is-highly desirable that the electrical conductor connecting the unit with the regulatory apparatus and power supply be arranged in a manner so that they will not become tangled VVup or interfere with the movement of theunit. To this end, the conductors are enclosed in a flexible'cable 5| which is anchored t in the outlet duct 49 of the bracket 41. In the present'instance, three conductors are required asjwill be readily seen by reference to Fig. 4 of the drawing. Two of the conductors are led through thechannel formed in one arm of the vided to enable' the unit to'be turned on its pivot to any, desired position without interference. t

Theelectrical connections between the elements comprising the unit and between the unit and the associated apparatus is shown schemati cally in Figgi of the drawingr The conductors 38 and45, leading respectively from terminals of the primary windings of transformers 1 andv 9 are connected to a common conductor 52 terminating at one contact of a circuit closing switch 53`. 'Ihe conductor 46, leading from Ythe'other primary winding terminal of the transformer 9 is connected with a current regulating device 55. Conductor 39', leading from the other primary Winding terminal of transformer 1, is connected with a current regulating device 51. The current regulating devices which may be of any suitable type, such as induction regulators or auto-transformers, are multiply connected over a conductor 58 with a contact of the switch 53. Switch 53 functions to connect the above described circuits and apparatus with a suitable source of power, indicated diagrammatically by the alternating current generator 59. With the switch closed, current from the generator is supplied to the two transformers and thence to the tube 6 to energize the same.

From the foregoing, it willbe apparent that the invention provides an improved, shock-proof X-ray unit of simple and compact construction which is particularly well adapted to perform the functions for which apparatus of this character is ordinarily provided.

I claim as my invention:

1. An X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a unitary casing structure having top and bottom sections respectively providing liquid tight tube and transformer compartments with a partitioning member common to said sections and forming the bottom wall of the tube compartment and the top wall of the transformer compartment, an X-ray tube supported in the tube compartment in a position to direct its rays through the partitioning member and the transformer compartment, a transformer supported in said transformer compartment with its core positioned to define a passage for the X-rays emanating from the tube, and means operatively connecting the transformer with the tube to energize the tube.

2. An X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a unitary casing structure having top and bottom sections respectively providing liquid tight tube and transformer compartments, an X-ray tube supported in the tube compartment in a position to direct its rays through the transformer compartment, a transformerv supported in the transformer compartment and defining a channel for the passage of the X-rays emanating from the tube, and means operatively connecting the transformer with the tube to energize the tube.

3. In an X-ray unit, in combination, a casing structure, an X-ray tube and tube energizing transformer immersed in a fluid medium in the casing, a diaphragm chamber disposed within the casing and sealed against the iiuid therein, a duct communicating with the chamber, an adjustable diaphragm disposed in the chamber in operative relation with the tube, and diaphragm adjusting means extending through said duct to permit the adjustment of the diaphragm from a point outside of the casing.

4. An X-ray apparatus comprising, in combination, a unitary casing setructure having top and bottom sections respectively providing liquid tight tube and transformer compartments with a partitioning member common to said sections and forming the bottom wall of the tube compartment and the top wall of the transformer compartment, said bottom section having inner and outer side Walls coacting with said partitioning member and having a bottom wall connecting said side walls to form therewith a channel-like chamber, said inner side walls defining a tubular member-of substantially rectangular cross-section providing a passage through the bottom section, an X-ray tube supported in the tube compartment in a position to direct its rays through the tubular member, a transformer supported within. the channel-like chamber and surrounding said tubular member, and means for connecting said transformer to said tube to cause the tube to generate X-rays.

5. An X-ray unit comprising, in combination, an X-ray tube, a transformer mounted at one side of the tube and operatively connected with the tube for energizing the same, said tube being positioned to direct its rays toward the transformer, a unitary casing enclosing the tube and transformer, and means forming a passage extending into said casing and through the general plane of said transformer for -a portion ofthe rays emanating from the tube, said vtransformer acting to screen out unwantedrays and thereby substantially confine the effective radiation'of the unit to the area defined by said passage.

6. An X-ray unit comprising, in combination', an X-ray tube, a tube-energizing transformer of the core type, a casing structure enclosing said tube and said transformer, said casing structure having a reentrant portion extending through the core of the transformer to define a passage for X-rays generated by the tube, and means supporting said tube at one side of the general plane of said transformer in a position to direct its rays through said passage.

7. In an X-ray unit, in combination, anX-ray i tube, a tube-energizing transformer, means for supporting said tube at one side of said transformer with its anode positioned to direct its rays through an area defined by the core of the transformer, and a diaphragm interposed between the tube and the transformer for restricting the fiow of X-rays from the unit. Y

8. An X-ray unit comprising,in combination, a casing structure having tube and transformer compartments arranged in side-by-side relation,

-means defining a passage through the central portion of the transformer compartment to the tube compartment, an X-ray tube mounted in said tube compartment with its anode positioned to direct its rays through said passage, a coretype transformer disposed in said transformer compartment with its core surrounding sai-d passage, and means extending between said compartments for operatively connecting said transformer and said tube to energize the tube.

9. An X-ray unit comprising, in combination, 

